NOT FAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 261, 4 November 1933, Page 5 (Supplement)

NOT FAIR.

Hurrying Overseas Boxers Off The Ship Into the Ring. The National Boxing Club of Australia has virtually assumed control of boxing in the Commonwealth. Endowed with ample means to import even world's champions, it can make or break any fighter, imported or homegrown, states the Sydney "Sportsman." This power should make the club turn and realise its responsibility to the patrons who pay, and expect to sec that every boxer appearing under the club's management is thoroughly attuned and fit to give of his best. That the club has failed to realise this responsibility has been made apparent on more than one recent occasion. On October 22, Al. Trulmans, a grandly-built young American with a fine record, stepped into the Stadium ring (within 15 days of his arrival after a long ocean voyage) to fight 15 rounds of three minutes each against one of Australia's champions.

Trulnians was beaten, and his apparent lack of fighting force was obvious to everyone. Without taking away any of the credit due hits opponent, : Richards, few people expected Trnlmans to develop his best form within the I time allowed him to got over the effects of a long sea voyage. How this defeat will affect Trnlmans' future in Australia is a matter of conjecture

Tho public may or may not be interested in his future contests. But, not content with the experience that tha huny-on method supplied, the N.B.C. immediately arranged for a contest between Lee Paige and Bobby Delaney, in exactly the same time after Paige's ocean voyage as that of Trulmans'.

Fortunately this arrangement has since been cancelled, and Lee Paige is to be allowed a little more time to get rid of his sea legs.

Why such hurry to show their goods should dominate the club is inexplicable. It is bad enough to find the Stadium closed on a regular night after once starting a season. But it is infinitely more damaging to boxing popularity to find a much-vaunted ringster endeavouring to uphold the prestige the club's publicity has led its patrons to see made good. It is tremendously iinfair to the fighter compelled to take the ring.

No oversea boxer should be required to enter the ring under one clear month after arrival in Australia. The club has unlimited opportunities of securing the best in the world to-day.

Australians have proved their willingness to provide the means whereby they can witness the best, and the N.B.C. will be accorded due credit for whatever it does in making it possible.